Is Srisaket Sor Rungvisai the next Manny Pacquiao?

Among the young boxers considered to follow the footsteps of legendary Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, 39, is Thai boxer Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, 31. The two have a lot in common as they both dabbled into boxing to support their respective families.

Seeing the sport as the only escape from poverty, Pacquiao and Sor Rungvisai conquered difficult odds. They have established themselves among the best and the brightest athletes of professional boxing.

At 12 years old, Pacquiao ran away from home, living on the streets of Manila while working as a gardener and a construction worker. At the age of 13, Sor Rungvisai left his hometown of Sisaket to look for odd jobs in Thailand’s capital of Bangkok.

Despite their respective successes inside the ring, Pacquiao and Sor Rungvisai remained humble as they preferred not to scowl and flaunt what they have achieved. The Thai pugilist noted, “It’s important to be humble.”

“I’ve been trying to follow him by learning great things from him not only inside the ring but also outside the squared-circle,” Sor Rungvisai said of Pacquiao. “He has impressed me in many ways.”

As Pacquiao’s inevitable exit from boxing looms, it appears that his successor will be in the person of Sor Rungvisai. The Thai’s international popularity widens akin to the Filipino’s meteoric rise to fame in the early 2000s.

Should Pacquiao pass the baton to Sor Rungvisai as the next standard bearer of the Asian boxing scene, the celebrated Thai slugger assured that he is up to the responsibility. For the latter, it is simply an honor.

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized around the globe,” Sor Rungvisai declared. “I am ready to be at my best and represent Asia the best I can.”

“I am honored to be in this position and I know millions of fans will be watching, which is why I have to give my best performance,” the Thai boxer added. “I can’t wait to climb into the ring again and showcase my talent in front of the whole world.”

On October 6, 2018, Sor Rungvisai will put his World Boxing Council Super Flyweight World Championship on the line against Iran “MagnifiKO” Diaz of Mexico in the main event of “ONE: Kingdom of Heroes” in Bangkok.